Monk had been named on Crimestoppers’ Operation Captura list of wanted fugitives thought to be in hiding in Spain.

A Civil Guard spokesman said Monk appeared to live the life of an “authentic fugitive” relying on others to bring food and goods to his villa. They said he had kept a close relationship with Scott, who was arrested in December after trying to sneak back into the UK in a light aircraft.

Monk was allegedly involved in the handover of one kilo of cocaine in Cockfosters, London in May 2013, and is also linked to the seizure of 24 kilos of cannabis in Colchester in October 2013.

Mr Brennan had been on the run in Spain when he disappeared in January 2014, having been kidnapped by men disguised by police officers.

Francis Brennan

The Everton fan’s body was discovered in a heavily-taped plastic bag which washed ashore months later.

Scott, 32, formerly of Summer Seat, Vauxhall, was locked up for 14 years in January having been wanted for four years over his role in a drugs gang which masterminded a plot to smuggle up to 40 tonnes of cocaine from South America by sea, hidden inside tins of fish.

He is currently facing extradition proceedings to Spain where police want to quiz him over Mr Brennan’s murder.

Monk’s arrest came less than a month after the men were publicised through Operation Captura. A total of 68 out of 86 fugitives on the list have now been caught.